Stolen art met with public yawn

It's Friday date night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Great Hall is jammed with swirling crowds meeting for music, drinks, fine cuisine, even a little art-viewing.

Only steps away from the revelry, the Greek and Roman Art galleries are as hushed as a church and almost as empty, except for the guard standing next to a single display case holding a large painted pot. (Related story: Countries fight for disputed items)

Now and then, someone approaches to peer at the pot. A middle-aged couple whisper to each other: Is that it? After 30 seconds they move away, the woman taking a backward glance. One last look.

One last look, indeed. After 2008, this 2,500-year-old vessel, known as the Euphronios krater (aka "the hot pot"), won't be here, in this museum or in the USA.